September 13th, 2026. 16:50

The sky is a golden orange, with the sun sinking on the horizon. In bright pools, the last few rays of sunlight hit large mirrors and sconces and reflected on the ground. The air is crisp and clear, untainted by a single breeze. The stillness magnifies this moment and makes it feel like an eternity. The silence echoes as if trying to spread into every part of this moment. The quiet feels like peace, a respite from a busy day.

At least from those on the ground. Near the tarmac of an airfield, Mariama jogs through the grasses as she does so often. Her mind wanders back to when she first arrived at the base. Mercenaries like her were in no need to serve something too great for a long time, not when it concerns certain acts that benefit the client. An ear-piercing sound reaches her ears, and she quickly turns around. She sees an aircraft, a much smaller F-16, coming in. It lands near the front edge of the field, about two hundred feet away from where she was running and closer than she had seen before. Despite this sight, Mariama continues with her routine. 

"Bet you're admiring the view from here, right Mariama?" a voice asks, which makes Mariama stop in her track at once. She makes a slight turn to the right where the voice comes from, but it is near her position. She sees the source, being none other than Malak herself, standing a few meters away, wearing a purple tank top and sporting a slight smile on her face. 

Mariama looks up at Malak, "I don't know what you mean."

Malak smirks, "You sure? You look like you want to say something."

Mariama is silent and instead stares at the sky.

"Well, here's your chance," Malak extends her hand to Mariama, who looks back at Malak. "First, how's your day? You know there's something else that makes you stay here for a while."

Mariama glances at the sinking sun for a bit, her expression remaining as still as stone while Malak crosses her arms in response. "Probably something about these days. All the combats and R&R, the kind of things we all do for our well-being, I suppose. But I'm fine. What about you?"

Malak nods, "We have a lot of work to do. I can't just relax, not when I'm dealing with the press blaring on the TV and phones about what happened a few days ago. At the very least, I'm glad everyone is alive."

Mariama only nods, "Barely, but yeah. And what are you doing here?"

"Oh, nothing really, I just wanted to stretch my legs out a little. You know, need some free movement these days." Malak chuckles.

Mariama raises her eyebrow, "It looked more like something. I mean-" Mariama stops herself short of saying anything bad, although the tone of her voice suggests otherwise.

Malak laughs, "Don't worry, I know what you meant. I'm here to get some fresh air, that's all. I've been cooped up inside for too long."

Mariama nods again, "That's understandable. Well, I'll be going."

"Wait, Mariama!" Malak calls after her. Mariama stops in her tracks, looking back at Malak, as she raises another eyebrow.

"You said you wanted to talk about something else, right?

"Well, yes. And it's about Sylvester. Last I heard, brigadier asshole just sent a request to the high command to demote him and relieve him from all operations in North America. All because of that day even though he too should have anticipated a trap of sorts. Can you believe it?" Malak replies with a frown and dour tone. Even after a few days, what they saw is still well printed in everyone's minds, even the most hardened. 

"I think you're right. But then, again don't be surprised. Those officer types aren't the sharpest tools in the shed, even Sylvester himself. So even if you disagree with the decision, you may see it coming."

"But he was the one who was needed most. You saw the footage during that battle, right? He fought the way a man should. And I mean a real man. He's not the kind of a dirty mercenary, but someone who puts his life on the line for others. He fought like a hero, not just a soldier in uniform," Malak continues.

"I know what you mean, but it's part of the job. It helps if you don't get attached to anyone. It kinda helps you move on better," Mariama replies. Malak sighs in response.

"Yeah, maybe. But I just wish we had more people like him. A real man, who fights for the sake of humanity, not for profit or glory. Someone who doesn't take advantage of the weak, who's not a coward, and someone who isn't afraid to die for the many. And even though he was hard on Amira, he came to see her as an equal eventually. Perhaps those of the UEF will do with you too."

Mariama only shrugs in response, all while glancing away from her in the direction of the sun. "Who knows what they think of us. But if there's something for certain about how this may end, it's that blood seekers like us can be hard to kill. Real heroes always manage to die first in the stupidest ways possible. But guys like us, Isaak included, once this is all set and done, we'll live the rest of our lives in hell." She then adds, "So, let's not waste any more time on these kinds of thoughts, okay?"

Malak smiles at Mariama's reply before nodding her head, and then says, "I understand." Then, Malak's phone vibrates in her pocket. She takes it out, and looks at the screen, "Oh! Looks like I've got a message from Sylvester. And...oh boy!" She then gets a wide grin on her face as she reads the text in question. Mariama can only look with narrow eyes and shake her head about why Malak's mood is changing.

"What is it? Why are you so happy now?"

"They rejected Clemons' request to demote him!" Malak starts laughing as she holds her hand up in an effort to control it to no avail. Mariama can still only look with the same expression as usual. "I kinda knew they wouldn't listen to the words of that glory hound, hell, maybe not a glory hound, more like a glory chihuahua!" 

Mariama shakes her head again, "You know, I think I might just have to agree with you there. Although, I'm not sure if he'll take that with grace."

Malak chuckles, "No, he won't. But that's nothing to worry about, he knows his place in the UEF after all." Malak stops laughing as she reads the new sent text from Sylvester again. She faces Mariama once more. "Oh, and he's informing us to go to the briefing room. We may have an important job to do next."

Mariama nods and then presses a finger to her earpiece, "Do you think this will be related to the mission we had a few days ago?"

"Could be, but we'll have to get there to know for sure."

"On it," Mariama says as she starts running to the briefing room.

"Crusader Squadron, we've been assigned a special mission. As you're aware, the leaks from a week ago gave the public a rather shaky reaction. I understand if they probably deserved to know more, but not to the extent of trying to claim the Zlocans are better ones in this ordeal. Quite a crap statement, yes, and now this is where the mission comes in." The screen shows the model of an Airbus A380-800 while photos of Sylvester and the four main EW appear. "Colonel Sylvester Walker and the four Warriors have been invited to a world conference in Chicago in two days as a way to quell fears and doubts over the course of the war, to show that there is still a chance to show that there can be good to be done. They will board the Airbus A380 on route to Chicago all the way from San Francisco's Airport. Recent reconnaissance revealed a presence of Zlocan air patrols in the region, meaning that they're expecting the moment to strike any aircraft that crosses it. And we'll be sure that they'll target Sylvester and the Warriors too. 

"I understand these are irregular circumstances, but since most of our air force reserves don't want to risk getting shot down by any of these advanced fighters, as well as the deal established by Vibana, you will be the escorts of Flight 98 which will commence tomorrow. The success of the operation will mean we may shift public relations in our favor. Make sure to give them a smooth ride as possible."

9 hours later

The Airbus flies at ten thousand feet. It sails in the air like a blue-and-white ship, while below it, the four planes of Crusader are on each side of the perimeter. The AWACS is high above the clouds, surveilling the area for any potential hostiles.  

"This is Captain Rogers from Flight 98 to AWACS Coruja, proceeding with flight plan. Nothing at all on radar. Peaceful as can be," the plane's pilot says on the radio.

"This is AWACS Coruja. Roger that, Flight 98. Don't let your guard down. When Crusader looks at them, they will look right at them. That's when they'll disappear and that's when they'll be feared. They'll be with you until you reach the safe zone."

"Understood. I got it." They continue flying in the same path, still with no Zlocan aircraft in sight, not even on their radar. 

"Hey, can't we go any faster?" Kamis asks with an irritated tone. 

"Got something to complain, Azure Hawk?" Luana asks.

"Since we're going near a Zlocan patrol dedicated to ambushing poor suckers, I thought it might be a good idea to get them to announce themselves already."

"The element of surprise should be expected from them. It ruins their purpose hence we should keep an eye on our surroundings," Rosa replies.

"Yeah, I know, but nothing's happening. What a waste of a mission."

"I guess we should also commend that for the time being," Mariama answers.

"Not that I agree with Azure Hawk, but I do think it feels too quiet at the moment," Andreas says.

"Remembers, eyes on the targets, Dala. Eyes on the target," Rosa replies back. 

"I know, I know. I'm just a bit nervous. I've never flown so far from our base until now."

"You'll be fine." Then, blips on the radar are heard as the pilots turn to see the radar, turning up at least six of them.

"What's this?! I got something on radar!" Captain Rogers exclaims as the Zlocan aircraft fly at high speed in their direction.

"They're on us! Crusaders, form up an element!" Rosa orders as the Crusader planes fly into formation as the Zlocans fire their laser fire at them. Andreas' plane deploy a jammer device that deflects the laser fire in the plane's direction. 

"Now, firing missiles! Fox 2!"

A missile is launched from Andrea's plane, and the missile hits one of the Zlocan aircraft, causing it to explode in midair.

"Nice kill! Now's my turn!" Kamis says as he locks on two of the other Zlocan planes. "Fox 3!" Kamis fires his missiles, and both hit their mark, exploding the Zlocan planes as they descend into the abyss as the others scramble in intercepting the other plane.

"Good work, Azure Hawk. Let's keep 'em burning hot!" Luana says. Rosa and Mariama then chase after the other Zlocan planes who fly in circles in the area in order to avoid any further incoming fire.

"There's another one! Fox 2, fox 2!" Rosa exclaims as she fires her missiles at two more Zlocan plane, exploding in mid-air.

"Great work, Temperance. You're on the money." Mariama then spots the remaining Zlocan plane which continues to fly circles, trying to evade any attack from Crusader Squadron as it approaches the passenger plane.

Rosa and Kamis are still on the left wing of the plane, holding the line. Meanwhile, Mariama and Andreas are on the opposite wing, attacking the enemy fighter from behind.

"Come on, come on. You know a prey never hides," Mariama mutters as she activates the gun lock-on in her visor to line up the shot against the Zlocan plane. After some moment in deviating in front of her, the lock-on target lines up with the plane.

"Got you," Mariama says as she shoots at the enemy plane with her railgun. The fast bullet strikes the cockpit of the plane, causing it to erupt in flames and falls to the ground. After this, it seems that there are no other planes in sight, and the plane is safe and sound.

"This is Flight 98, allow me to thank Crusader team for protecting us from enemy fire."

"No need to thank them, a job's a job as they say. For now, it looks like it's all clear, Crusader team. But stay on guard, there may be more coming," Luana says.

"Man, that was still short from expectations..." Kamis mutters under his breath.

"You heard her right. If they got a reason to fight, then they won't give in after just one wave. We must be prepared or else we'll get our asses on fire," Mariama replies. Then, the radio beeps again, but this time, it shows only two planes approaching at high speed.

"Heads up! We've got enemy reinforcements approaching!" Luana says.

"What, already?!" Kamis says with a shocked tone as he glances at the radio to observe the incoming bogeys. The planes turn out to be two F-18-type planes with two front canards near the craft, with yellow and green delivery around the nose. Each has contrasting colors near the placements all while flying in a synchronized way.

"Then let's take care of them," Mariama says as the Crusaders form up to face the two incoming Hornets head-on. They watch as the planes fly in a circular observation before they thrust their engines faster at them.

"Wait a minute, my IFF is getting a reading on these two planes. But why?" Luana asks as the two planes display the names "ROMEO" and "JULIET" in each one.

"What is it, Coruja?" Rosa says.

"Those planes, we got them identified by two names, some that I haven't heard from a while..."

"Looks like the dogs of the UEF have made their move," a male voice with an Australian accent is then heard on the radio of the team's aircraft.

"Then you know what it means, luv?" another asks, this time by a female voice.

"We'll sweep them out nice and swift."

"Those voices...Cygnus Squadron?" Luana shouts in surprise, those voices are ones that could be close to her, enough to provoke such a reaction from her.

"We've got four more planes heading to passenger jet on our six! What should we do?!" Andreas as he checks his radar.

"Dala, After Burner, you two go defend the passenger plane, me and Azure Hawk will deal with those unexpected guests!" Rosa says as she thrusts her plane to approach the incoming Cygnus squadron alongside Kamis.

"Roger," Mariama says as she departs from the formation in order to defend the plane.

"Understood," Andreas replies while doing the same as Mariama.

"Let's go, Azure Hawk. We've got a lot of ground to cover, and none of it is in a good way," Rosa says as they both accelerate towards the two Hornets in a dogfight formation. The two then split off in synchronization to approach either aircraft.

"I'm right behind you, luv," the male voice says as the two Hornets form their missile and gun lock-on aim towards the Crusaders' planes.

"And I can see that the owl is still as sleepy as usual," the female voice says.

"Luke and Linda Miller, what's going on here?" Luana asks as the planes approach the Crusaders en route towards them.

"Hey, guys! What's going on?!" Kamis says as the two Hornets turn towards them, with the one with Linda inside following him.

"It's going well, thanks for asking!" the pilots of Cygnus, reply as they both laugh at the same time.

"You two! What's with the weird nicknames?!" Rosa asks as she continues to circle with Kamis as the two Hornets continue to go around too, firing their guns behind the planes while they try to evade their fire from them.

"Oh, don't be so negative. It's just a matter of picking the right card in a matter of life and death. And you may have picked the latter, what a shame," Luke says while firing a missile at Kamis. He manages to evade by deploying flares as the missile approaches.

"Cygnus Squadron, what's going on here? Why are you on the enemy's side now?!" Luana says.

"You care to know what you are in the dark about, luv?" Linda says.

"Why don't you enlighten me, them?"

"There's no need for that. We'll explain everything to you after this," Luke says as he fires another missile at Kamis. He deploys some chaffs in response but Luke is still on his trail.

"You seem to be pretty good for a hotshot, but still a novice on plane, I'd say."

"Who you're calling a novice?!" Kamis exclaims as he tries to shake Luke off his back. Meanwhile, Linda pursues Rosa's plane

"What the hell is she doing?! What kind of flying is that?!" Rosa exclaims as she watches Linda chasing after her, matching every maneuver she takes, both involving the speed and agility of the plane. Even when she tries the stall maneuver, Linda will copy it as well. Not even the Pugachev Cobra can save her from this pilot.

"You think that by having those brand new high-tech planes, you think you're invincible? You're just scavs for a quick buck for a bunch of corrupt men after all," Linda taunts as she continues pursuing her.

"We fight to protect a group that this world needs, that's what we were told," Rosa replies back.

"Ohh, but can you guarantee that they won't go around and screw up the safety of their own civies? Have you been blind to what the UEF is?" Luke asks while still pursuing Kamis' plane.

"What do you mean?" Rosa asks.

"When necessary, the UEF will do everything to cover up their tracks for the sake of good publicity. A bloody big mistake if I say so." Linda then turns near Rosa's wing, managing to glance at each other side by side, even with their helmets on.

"Do these places ring a bell to you? Freetown? Manilla? Even Okinawa?" Linda asks, with a rough tone applied when she mentions Okinawa. Rosa can only shake her head at such questions from these kinds of defectors.

"What, some mistakes by a bunch of incompetent idiots? Won't surprise me, but I still don't get why you attack another human?" Kamis asks.

"They were more than mistakes, they were disasters, far more than anything else, especially Okinawa. But no matter, I'll make sure you won't join up with the rest of the UEF in their destructive paths soon enough." Luke then fires his gun towards Kamis' plane, hitting one of the tails. Kamis' plane starts to smoke.

"Kamis, are you alright?!" Luana asks via radio.

"Yeah, I'll be fine, but he causing some damage to my plane! I don't know if I will make it!"

"Then I'll have to take these guys out," Rosa replies as she starts to circle around Kamis and prepares to face Luke.

"Like hell